Top restaurants list
10 Best Cheap Restaurants in Chicago
- 10 restaurants
- Chicago, Illinois
- Updated March 25, 2026
The 10 best cheap restaurants in Chicago, IL include Portillo's, Al's Beef, Jim's Original, Ricobene's, Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen, Superdawg Drive In, Devil Dawgs, Mr. Beef, Big Star, and The Wiener’s Circle. Affordable meals in Chicago restaurants often feature famous recipes like the Chicago-Style Hot Dog, the Italian Beef Sandwich, and the Breaded Steak Sandwich. Cheap restaurants here are known for serving slow-cooked meats, crispy hot dogs, and scratch-made deli favorites inside long-standing, family-owned storefronts. Portillo's prepares legendary chili-topped sausages, Al's Beef cooks thin-sliced roast beef in seasoned au jus, and Jim's Original serves grilled Polish sausages from a walk-up window.
Budget-friendly spots in Chicago are found in the bustling U Street corridor, within historic neighborhoods, and on busy corners near the city center. The kinds of cheap restaurants featured on this page range from Italian beef shops, hot dog stands, neighborhood pizzerias, and Jewish delis. A meal at a cheap restaurant in Chicago averages $18 per person.
The number 1 cheap restaurant in Chicago is Portillo's, which is famous for its legendary Chicago-style hot dogs, a historic status dating back to 1963, and a long list of loyal fans. Al's Beef is another famous dining destination known for its original 1938 beef sandwich recipe. Jim's Original creates a consistent evening experience with grilled Polish sausages and pork chop sandwiches served 24 hours a day. For those with diet restrictions, Devil Dawgs offers gluten-free buns for sensitive diners, and Portillo's prepares plant-based garden dogs for vegan guests.
The top cheap restaurants in Chicago are listed below.
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1
1. Portillo's
4.7 (19 Reviews)
Fast Food Fast Casual Chicken Salads Sandwiches American Burgers Plant Based Dessert Polish Hot Dogs Sandwich Desserts Cakes Vegetarian Friendly Family Friendly Street Food Hot Dog Drinks Group Friendly Eastern European TamalePortillo's is an American fast casual restaurant chain known for classic Chicago-style hot dogs and slow-roast Italian beef sandwiches. The popular items on Portillo's menu are the Chicago-Style Hot Dog, Italian...- Item Prices
- 133
- Average Item Price
- $7.74
“Portillo’s Chili Cheese Dog is pure indulgence! The all-beef hot dog is grilled to perfection, nestled in a soft poppy seed bun, and smothered in...”
“Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich is a true Chicago classic! The thinly sliced, perfectly seasoned beef is piled high on a fresh, crusty French roll and...”
Portillo's Menu PricesMore about Portillo's
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Food
Type of Food:
American, Hot Dogs
Signature Dishes:
Italian Beef Sandwich
Hot Dog
Rodeo Burger
Location:
100 W Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60610
Special Feature:
The interior features 1930s-style decor, including vintage signs and memorabilia.
What Makes It Special:
The restaurant delivers fast, consistent service with a menu focused on local staples.
What Sets It Apart:
A reputation for serving the definitive Chicago-style hot dog makes the chain a mandatory stop for visitors.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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2
Al's Beef prepares authentic Italian beef sandwiches topped with giardiniera and dipped in seasoned au jus. The kitchen has served the original recipe since 1938.- Item Prices
- 327
- Average Item Price
- $5.86
Al's Beef Menu PricesMore about Al's Beef
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Casual, Sandwich Shop
Type of Food:
American, Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:
Big Beef
Hot Dog with Everything & Fries
Fresh Cut Fries
Location:
1079 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The counter-service format allows for rapid ordering and pickup.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen uses a proprietary spice blend for the beef, which slow-roasts for hours.
What Sets It Apart:
A long history of perfecting the Italian beef preparation defines the shop's identity.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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3
Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen serves traditional Jewish deli favorites, including corned beef, pastrami, and matzo ball soup. The cafeteria-style line allows guests to see and select items before paying.- Item Prices
- 156
- Average Item Price
- $9.90
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen Menu PricesMore about Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Type of Restaurant:
Deli, Cafeteria
Type of Food:
Jewish Deli, American
Signature Dishes:
Corned Beef Sandwich
Reuben
Pastrami
Location:
1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The deli counter displays large, stacked piles of house-cured meats.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen prepares authentic, home-style Jewish deli recipes.
What Sets It Apart:
A long-standing history as a community hub for politicians and locals defines the shop.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:30 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PMMonday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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4
Devil Dawgs serves gourmet hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes in a casual, student-friendly environment. The menu features creative topping combinations and vegetarian-friendly options.- Item Prices
- 1,065
- Average Item Price
- $5.96
Devil Dawgs Menu PricesMore about Devil Dawgs
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Casual, Hot Dogs
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
Chicago Dog
Bag "O" Fries
Bag "O" Tots
Location:
767 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Special Feature:
The menu includes a build-your-own option for all hot dogs and burgers.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen uses high-quality, natural-casing hot dogs.
What Sets It Apart:
A focus on late-night availability and affordable prices makes the shop a popular neighborhood spot.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
Mr. Beef prepares classic Italian beef sandwiches and peppers in a no-frills, counter-service shop. The kitchen focuses on simplicity and traditional preparation methods.- Item Prices
- 36
- Average Item Price
- $5.90
Mr. Beef Menu PricesMore about Mr. Beef
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Casual, Sandwich Shop
Type of Food:
American, Sandwiches
Signature Dishes:
Italian Beef Sandwich
Hot Dog
Cannoli
Location:
666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60654
Special Feature:
The shop maintains a simple, utilitarian interior with limited counter seating.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen delivers a consistent, authentic Italian beef sandwich.
What Sets It Apart:
A reputation for serving unpretentious, high-quality beef sandwiches makes the shop a local favorite.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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6
Big Star serves street-style tacos and bourbon in a lively, honky-tonk inspired space. The kitchen prepares tacos with house-made tortillas and fresh, seasonal fillings.- Item Prices
- 165
- Average Item Price
- $4.37
Big Star Menu PricesMore about Big Star
Type of Restaurant:
Taqueria, Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mexican, Bar
Signature Dishes:
Taco al Pastor
Big Star Nachos
Chips and Guacamole
Location:
1531 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Special Feature:
The large outdoor patio features a walk-up window for quick taco service.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen uses high-quality, locally sourced meats for all taco fillings.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a honky-tonk atmosphere and authentic street-style tacos defines the experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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7
The Wiener’s Circle serves hot dogs, burgers, and cheese fries from a walk-up window. The shop is famous for its late-night atmosphere and banter between staff and customers.- Item Prices
- 19
- Average Item Price
- $6.32
The Wiener's Circle Menu PricesMore about The Wiener's Circle
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Food, Hot Dogs
Type of Food:
American, Hot Dogs
Signature Dishes:
Char Dog
Char Burger
Fries
Location:
2622 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Special Feature:
The shop is known for its late-night service, where staff and customers engage in playful, high-energy banter.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen grills hot dogs over an open flame, creating a charred, flavorful crust.
What Sets It Apart:
The unique, high-energy late-night atmosphere makes the shop a cultural phenomenon.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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8
8. Jim's Original
Jim's Original serves Polish sausages and pork chop sandwiches from a walk-up stand near the University of Illinois Chicago. The kitchen focuses on grilled meats topped with caramelized onions and mustard.More about Jim's Original
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Food, Stand
Type of Food:
American, Polish
Signature Dishes:
Polish Sausage
Double Cheeseburger
Hot Dog
Location:
1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The stand operates with a walk-up window and outdoor seating.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen grills meats over an open flame, providing a smoky, charred flavor.
What Sets It Apart:
A 24-hour operation and a simple, focused menu of grilled classics make the stand a local staple.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price:
$1 to $10 per person
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9
9. Ricobene's
Ricobene's prepares massive breaded steak sandwiches and thin-crust pizzas. The kitchen serves hearty portions of Italian-American comfort food in a no-frills, counter-service setting.More about Ricobene's
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Sandwich Shop
Type of Food:
Italian-American
Signature Dishes:
Breaded Steak Sandwich
Meatball Sandwich
Hot Dog
Location:
252 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60616
Special Feature:
The breaded steak sandwich features a large, crispy cutlet topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen delivers enormous, filling meals at an affordable price.
What Sets It Apart:
The signature breaded steak sandwich remains a unique Chicago creation found primarily at this location.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 AMFriday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AMSunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
-
10
10. Superdawg Drive In
Superdawg Drive In operates as a classic 1940s-style drive-in. Guests order hot dogs, burgers, and shakes via carhop service or at the counter.More about Superdawg Drive In
Type of Restaurant:
Fast Food, Drive-In
Type of Food:
American, Hot Dogs
Signature Dishes:
Superdawg
Whoopskidawg
Whoopercheesie
Location:
6363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60646
Special Feature:
Two giant hot dog statues sit on the roof, marking the location.
What Makes It Special:
The kitchen serves high-quality, all-beef hot dogs without fillers or artificial ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:
The preservation of the original 1948 drive-in format creates a nostalgic dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Cheap Restaurants in Chicago Famous?
Cheap restaurants in Chicago, IL, are famous for serving legendary Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and deep-dish pizza slices at low price points. Chefs utilize regional ingredients like giardiniera, poppy seed buns, and high-quality beef to create high-value menus. Many of these cheap dining spots are long-standing, family-owned counters or roadside stands that maintain original recipes for decades. Restaurants here earn recognition by providing generous portions and consistent quality in unpretentious settings. This focus on scratch-made comfort food and regional specialties sets Chicago’s dining market apart from other Midwestern cities.
What Types of Cheap Restaurants are Commonly Found in Chicago?
Budget-friendly restaurants in Chicago, IL, range from Italian beef shops, hot dog stands, and neighborhood pizzerias. These Chicago restaurants shape the local eating experience and are discussed more below.
- Italian Beef Shops: Venues like Al's Beef and Mr. Beef focus on thin-sliced roast beef dipped in seasoned au jus served on crusty rolls.
- Hot Dog Stands: Establishments such as Portillo's, Jim's Original, and The Wiener’s Circle prepare all-beef franks with mustard, onions, and relish.
- Neighborhood Pizzerias: Places like Secret Pizza and Sunnyside Pizzeria specialize in thin-crust slices and square-cut pies.
- Jewish Delis: Restaurants like Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen serve house-cured corned beef and pastrami in cafeteria-style lines.
Does Chicago Have an Authentic Cheap Restaurant?
Yes, Chicago, IL, has plenty of authentic budget-friendly dining venues, including local institutions like Portillo's, Al's Beef, and Jim's Original. Portillo's has served the community for decades, maintaining a reputation for its signature Italian beef and chocolate cake shakes. Al's Beef provides a true taste of the city by preparing its original 1938 beef sandwich recipe using a proprietary spice blend. Jim's Original delivers a consistent experience by serving Polish sausages and pork chop sandwiches from a walk-up window on Union Avenue.
Do Cheap Restaurants in Chicago Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, some budget-friendly restaurants in Chicago offer easy online reservations through platforms like OpenTable and Tock. Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen manages bookings through OpenTable. High-volume or counter-service locations like Portillo's, Al's Beef, Jim's Original, and The Wiener’s Circle function strictly on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take reservations. Many of these venues prioritize speed and turnover, making traditional reservation systems unnecessary for the dining format.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Cheap Restaurants in Chicago?
The signature menu items at the best cheap restaurants in Chicago range from Italian beef sandwiches to classic hot dogs. The following list describes specific food in Chicago.
- Italian Beef Sandwich: Thin-sliced roast beef dipped in seasoned au jus, topped with spicy giardiniera on a crusty roll. Al's Beef is famous for this dish.
- Chicago-Style Hot Dog: An all-beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, neon green relish, onions, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. Portillo's specializes in this classic item.
- Breaded Steak Sandwich: A large, crispy-fried steak cutlet topped with marinara and melted mozzarella. Ricobene prepares this signature item.
- Polish Sausage: A grilled, savory sausage served with caramelized onions and mustard. Jim's Original features this popular street food.
- Corned Beef Sandwich: Thick-cut, house-cured corned beef piled high on rye bread. Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen serves this deli staple.
Does Chicago Enjoy Cheap Food?
Yes, Chicago, IL, enjoys cheap food due to a large population of university students, commuters, and residents seeking accessible, high-quality meals. The presence of major sports venues, public transit hubs, and a thriving downtown district creates a constant demand for quick, approachable dining options. Diners prefer comfortable settings and hearty portions that suit groups after work or during weekend social outings. This demand supports a strong market for sandwich shops, hot dog stands, and pizza parlors throughout the city.
What is the Average Meal Price for Cheap Restaurants in Chicago?
The average meal price at a cheap restaurant in Chicago is $18 per person. A single meal at a fast-food location or hot dog stand like Jim's Original averages $10. A group meal for two to four people at a mid-range deli like Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen averages $45 total. A meal at a budget-friendly location averages $8 per person. A full dinner with drinks at a cheap restaurant such as Ricobene's or Portillo's averages $22 per person.
Are There Vegan Options at Cheap Restaurants in Chicago?
Yes, plant-based choices exist at cheap restaurants in Chicago at places such as Devil Dawgs, Portillo's, and Big Star. Devil Dawgs offers a menu featuring vegan-friendly hot dogs and veggie burgers. Portillo's provides a plant-based garden dog and garden burger suitable for guests avoiding animal products. Big Star prepares vegetable-based taco fillings and fresh guacamole. Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen serves vegetable-based sides and salads that accommodate meat-free diets upon request.
Do Cheap Restaurants in Chicago Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, dining venues in Chicago provide gluten-sensitive alternatives at spots such as Portillo's, Al's Beef, and Devil Dawgs. Portillo's identifies gluten-free salads and modifies beef sandwiches to be served without bread. Al's Beef accommodates dietary restrictions by adjusting beef bowls and salads. Devil Dawgs serves gluten-free buns for burgers and hot dogs. Ricobene's prepares naturally gluten-free grilled meat entrees and vegetable sides when notified in advance.
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